Undergrad Thesis – Dual Induction

Induction | Dual Systems | UnderGrad Thesis | MycoChem™ | FusaTrinity™ | Physico-Chemical | Pathogen Infections

UNDERGRADUATE THESIS PROPOSAL

Title: “Evaluation of Dual Induction Systems for Agarwood Resin Formation in Aquilaria malaccensis: A Combined Biological and Chemical Approach“

1. Introduction

Agarwood is a highly valuable aromatic resin formed as a defensive response in Aquilaria species following injury, stress, or microbial infection. Natural agarwood formation is rare, unpredictable, and may take decades, resulting in supply shortages and unsustainable harvesting pressures.

To address these challenges, artificial induction methods have been developed, primarily categorized as biological induction (using microbes) and chemical induction (using inorganic or organic elicitors). While each method has shown success, limitations remain in resin consistency, chemical complexity, and long-term tree health.

Recent studies suggest that Dual Induction Systems, which combine biological and chemical stimuli, may enhance resin yield, accelerate formation, and improve chemical authenticity by synergistically activating multiple defense pathways. However, systematic evaluation of such systems remains limited, particularly at the undergraduate research level.

2. Statement of the Problem

Single-method agarwood induction techniques often result in:

  • Inconsistent resin formation
  • Limited chromone diversity
  • Reduced aromatic complexity
  • Increased tree stress or localized damage

There is insufficient experimental data on the effectiveness of dual induction systems in producing chemically superior and sustainable agarwood resin.

3. Objectives

General Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of dual induction systems in inducing agarwood resin formation in Aquilaria spp.

Specific Objectives

  1. To compare resin yield between single and dual induction methods
  2. To assess resin formation rate under different treatments
  3. To analyze chemical profiles of induced resin using GC-MS
  4. To determine the effect of dual induction on sesquiterpene and chromone production
  5. To evaluate tree health response following induction

4. Significance of the Study

  • Provides scientific validation for advanced induction systems
  • Supports sustainable agarwood cultivation practices
  • Contributes to quality grading and chemical fingerprint databases
  • Benefits farmers, researchers, and the agarwood industry
  • Strengthens ethical and market acceptance of induced agarwood

5. Scope and Limitations

Scope

  • Focus on Aquilaria spp. grown under plantation conditions
  • Evaluation of biological, chemical, and dual induction treatments
  • Chemical analysis limited to GC-MS profiling

Limitations

  • Short observation period compared to natural resin aging
  • Limited number of induction agents
  • Environmental variability in field conditions

6. Review of Related Literature (Summary)

Previous studies show that fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum induce sesquiterpene biosynthesis, while chemical elicitors promote rapid resin deposition. Dual induction approaches may activate both microbial defense pathways and oxidative stress responses, resulting in enhanced resin complexity. However, comparative experimental data remain scarce.

7. Methodology

7.1 Research Design

Experimental research using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD)

7.2 Materials

  • Aquilaria malaccensis trees
  • Biological agents:
    • Fusarium oxysporum
    • Lasiodiplodia theobromae
  • Chemical inducer (approved agarwood elicitor)
  • Sterile drilling and inoculation tools
  • GC-MS equipment

7.3 Treatments

TreatmentDescription
T1Mechanical injury only (Control)
T2Biological induction only
T3Chemical induction only
T4Dual induction (Biological + Chemical)
T5Untreated control

7.4 Induction Procedure

  1. Standardized drilling at selected trunk points
  2. Application of microbial inoculum
  3. Introduction of chemical inducer after a defined interval
  4. Sealing of inoculation points
  5. Monitoring over 6–12 months

7.5 Data Collection

  • Visual assessment of resin formation
  • Resin yield measurement
  • Tree health indicators
  • GC-MS chemical profiling
  • Relative abundance of key sesquiterpenes and chromones

8. Data Analysis

  • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
  • GC-MS chromatogram interpretation
  • Comparative chemical fingerprint analysis

9. Expected Results

  • Dual induction treatments will produce higher resin yield
  • Increased chromone diversity and sesquiterpene complexity
  • Faster resin formation compared to single induction methods
  • Acceptable tree health and survivability

10. Ethical and Biosafety Considerations

  • Use of controlled microbial strains
  • Minimal tree damage
  • Compliance with institutional biosafety protocols
  • Environmentally responsible induction practices

11. Proposed Timeline

ActivityDuration
Literature review1 month
Preparation of agents1 month
Induction application1 month
Resin development6–9 months
Chemical analysis1 month
Thesis writing2 months

12. Expected Output

  • Undergraduate thesis manuscript
  • GC-MS chemical fingerprint dataset
  • Practical recommendations for agarwood induction

13. Conclusion

This study aims to demonstrate that Dual Induction Systems offer a scientifically sound and sustainable approach to agarwood production by integrating biological and chemical defense mechanisms, resulting in improved resin quality and consistency.